Police have charged 11 people as part of a retail theft crackdown across the Newcastle area.
Between March and July 2026, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation following several incidents of theft in the Newcastle area, predominately across liquor stores.
Following investigations, between Wednesday 15 July 2026 and Friday 17 July 2026, officers arrested 11 individuals.
They were charged with several offences including shoplifting, affray, and possession of goods suspected of being stolen or unlawfully obtained.
A further six youths were arrested and dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.
Noteworthy incidents include:
- About 2.45pm on Wednesday 15 July 2026, officers were patrolling the intersection of Tooke Street and Brooks Street, Cooks Hill, when they identified a 55-year-old man with multiple outstanding warrants. Upon approach, the 55-year-old allegedly attempted to flee from police on a bicycle before he was shortly arrested. Upon a search of the man, multiple alcohol bottles were allegedly located and seized. He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen. He was also charged with four outstanding warrants relating to shoplifting and driving related offences. He was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Local Court 2 where he was further refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Monday 20 July 2026.
- About 7.30am on Friday 17 July 2026, a 15-year-old girl attended Waratah Police Station and was arrested. The 15-year-old was charged with 14 offences including 12 counts of shoplifting less than or equal to $2,000, dishonestly obtain property by deception, and minor enter/remain minors authorisation area without adult. She was granted conditional bail to appear before a Children's Court on Monday 17 August 2026.
Investigations continue.
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